The Netherlands has successfully qualified for the Euro 2024 semifinals after winning 2-1 in the quarter-final match held at the Olympiastadion Berlin, Sunday (7/7). The Netherlands, who were left behind first, had to work hard to ensure a place in the top four.
Turkey made three changes from the team that beat Austria in the last 16. Samet Akaydin came on for the suspended Merih Demiral. In midfield, Salih Ozcan replaced Ismail Yuksek and Hakan Calhanoglu returned to the starting line-up instead of Orkun Kokcu.
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman decided to field the same team that beat Romania 3-0 in the last 16.
Since the match started, the Netherlands immediately pressed with their fast game. Meanwhile, Turkey needed help getting out of their area.
Up to 15 minutes into the match, the Netherlands was mostly in Turkey's area. It was recorded that the Netherlands had released three attempts, but none of them were on target.
Turkey began to emerge from the pressure and occasionally turned the ball around. There were at least two shots fired by Turkey until the 30th minute. However, all of them missed the target.
Slowly but surely, Turkey began to match the Netherlands in ball possession. Montella's troops were even able to pin down the Dutch defense.
In the 35th minute, Turkey managed to break through the Dutch goal. Continuing Arda Guler's pass from the right side, Samet Akaydin headed the ball into the Dutch goal guarded by Bart Verbruggen.
Trailing by one goal, the Netherlands tried to rise. However, they were unable to shake the Turkish defense. Until the first half ended, the Netherlands failed to score an equalizer.
In the second half, Koeman brought on Wout Weghorst for Steven Bergwijn to add more attacking power. The Netherlands increased the pressure and began to close in on Turkey's area.
Up until the 55th minute, there were at least two dangerous Dutch crosses that threatened Turkey. However, none of them made Turkish goalkeeper Mert Gunok take action.
Turkey almost doubled their lead when they got a free kick. Unfortunately, Arda Guler's shot only hit the goalpost. Meanwhile, the Dutch counterattack through Memphis Depay was too easy for the Turkish goalkeeper to tame.
Despite increasingly dominating possession, the Dutch players struggled to create chances. Meanwhile, Turkey was more effective every time they launched a counterattack.
In the 65th minute, Turkey got a chance through a shot from outside the penalty box released by Kenan Yildiz. However, Yildiz's shot was blocked by Vergbruggen.
The Netherlands' efforts to equalize the score finally paid off in the 70th minute. The goal came from Stefan De Vrij's header following Depay's pass. The score was tied at 1-1.
Just five minutes later, the Netherlands turned the score around through Cody Gakpo's goal. The Liverpool forward connected with Dumfries' incoming cross. After a review, the goal was deemed an own goal by Turkish player Mert Mulder.
In a losing position, Turkey fought hard to equalize. However, their attacks failed to produce a goal until the match ended.
The Netherlands advanced to the semifinals and will face England at Signal Iduna Park Dortmund, Thursday (11/7).